A display device includes a base layer and a display element layer. The base layer includes a first area and a second area, and the display element layer is disposed on the base layer. In addition, the display element layer includes a first light sensor disposed in the first area and operating at a first operation frequency; and a second light sensor disposed in the second area and operating at a second operation frequency higher than the first operation frequency.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection, as filed with the USPTO.
a base layer including a first area and a second area; a display element layer disposed on the base layer and including a plurality of pixels disposed in the first area and the second area, a first light sensor disposed in the first area, and a second light sensor disposed in the second area; and a light-blocking layer disposed on the display element layer, wherein the light-blocking layer includes: a first opening disposed above the first light sensor; and a second opening disposed above the second light sensor, wherein a width of the first opening is less than a width of the second opening. . A display device comprising:
claim 1 the first light sensor is operated at a first operation frequency, and the second light sensor is operated at a second operation frequency higher than the first operation frequency. . The display device of, wherein:
claim 2 the first light sensor is configured to sense fingerprint information, and the second light sensor is configured to sense pulse information. . The display device of, wherein:
claim 2 . The display device of, wherein the first frequency corresponds to a still image, and the second frequency corresponds to a moving image.
claim 2 . The display device of, wherein a first resolution of a first image acquired by the first light sensor is higher than a second resolution of a second image acquired by the second light sensor.
claim 2 . The display device of, wherein the first operation frequency is in a range of about 1 Hz to about 10 Hz.
claim 2 . The display device of, wherein the second operation frequency is in a range of about 30 Hz to about 500 Hz.
claim 1 . The display device of, wherein an amount of light received by the second light sensor is greater than an amount of light received by the first light sensor.
claim 1 the first light sensor is provided as a plurality of first light sensors, the plurality of pixels and the plurality of first light sensors alternately arranged in each of a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction in the first area, the second light sensor is provided as a plurality of second light sensors, the plurality of pixels and the plurality of first light sensors alternately arranged in each of the first direction and the second direction in the second area. . The display device of, wherein:
claim 1 . The display device of, wherein the light-blocking layer overlaps at least one of the first light sensor or the second light sensor.
claim 1 a first color filter overlapping with the first light sensor in a plan view, the first color filter is configured to transmit light of a first wavelength band therethrough; and a second color filter overlapping with the second light sensor in the plan view, wherein the second color filter is configured to transmit light of a second wavelength band therethrough, wherein the first wavelength band is shorter than the second wavelength band. . The display device of, further comprising:
claim 11 . The display device of, wherein the first wavelength band is in a range of about 380 nm to about 570 nm.
claim 11 . The display device of, wherein the second wavelength band is in a range of about 600 nm to about 1000 μm.
Complete technical specification and implementation details from the patent document.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/354,781 filed on Jul. 19, 2023, which claims priority under 35 U.S. C. § 119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0135105, filed on Oct. 19, 2022, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.
One or more embodiments described herein relate to a display device.
A variety of multimedia electronic devices have been developed. Examples include televisions, mobile phones, tablet computers, navigation devices, and game consoles. Each of these devices may include a display device for displaying images and an input sensing device for detecting an external input. More recent devices include a function of detecting fingerprints.
Fingerprints may be detected using, for example, a capacitance-based scheme, which detects changes in capacitance generated between electrodes. Fingerprints may also be detected using a light-sensing scheme, which detects incident light using a light sensor. Other schemes for detecting fingerprints include an ultrasonic-wave-based scheme, which senses vibrations using a piezoelectric material, etc. In a light-sensing scheme, the light sensor may be, for example, a fingerprint sensor, a PPG (photoplethysmography) sensor, or a blood pressure sensor.
According to an embodiment, a display device includes a base layer including a first area and a second area, and a display element layer disposed on the base layer, wherein the display element layer includes a first light sensor disposed in the first area and operating at a first operation frequency, and a second light sensor disposed in the second area and operating at a second operation frequency higher than the first operation frequency.
The first light sensor may be configured to sense fingerprint information, and the second light sensor may be configured to sense pulse information.
The display device may further include a light-blocking layer disposed on the display element layer, wherein a first opening overlapping the first light sensor may be provided in the light-blocking layer.
A second opening overlapping the second light-sensor may be provided in the light-blocking layer, wherein a first width of the first opening may be less than a second width of the second opening.
The display deice may further include a light-blocking layer disposed on the display element layer, wherein the light-blocking layer may overlap at least one of the first light sensor or the second light sensor.
The display deice may further include a first color filter overlapping with the first light sensor in a plan view, wherein the first color filter may be configured to transmit light of a first wavelength band therethrough, and a second color filter overlapping with the second light sensor in the plan view, wherein the second color filter may be configured to transmit light of a second wavelength band therethrough, wherein the first wavelength band may be shorter than the second wavelength band.
The first wavelength band may be in a range of about 380 nm to about 570 nm.
The second wavelength band may be in a range of about 600 nm to about 1000 μm.
An amount of light received by the second light sensor may be greater than an amount of light received by the first light sensor.
A first resolution of a first image acquired by the first light sensor may be higher than a second resolution of a second image acquired by the second light sensor.
The first operation frequency may be in a range of about 1 Hz to about 10 Hz.
The second operation frequency may be in a range of about 30 Hz to about 500 Hz.
According to an embodiment, a display device includes a display panel including a plurality of light-emitting areas, a plurality of sensing areas, and a peripheral area surrounding the plurality of light-emitting areas and the plurality of sensing areas, and an optical layer disposed on the display panel. The display panel includes a base layer having a first area and a second area defined therein, and a display element layer disposed on the base layer, wherein the display element layer includes a plurality of light-emitters respectively disposed in the plurality of light-emitting areas, a first light sensor disposed in a first sensing area among the plurality of sensing areas and operating at a first operation frequency, and a second light sensor disposed in a second sensing area among the plurality of sensing areas and operating at a second operation frequency higher than the first operation frequency.
The optical layer may include a light-blocking layer disposed on the display panel, wherein a plurality of openings may be provided in the light-blocking layer, wherein the plurality of openings may respectively overlap at least some of the plurality of light-emitting areas and the plurality of sensing areas.
The plurality of openings in the light-blocking layer may include a first opening overlapping the first light sensor and a second opening overlapping the second light sensor, wherein a first width of the first opening may be smaller than a second width of the second opening.
The display deice may further include a first color filter overlapping with the first light sensor in a plan view, wherein the first color filter may be configured to transmit light of a first wavelength band therethrough, and a second color filter overlapping with the second light sensor in the plan view, wherein the second color filter may be configured to transmit light of a second wavelength band therethrough, wherein the first wavelength may be shorter than the second wavelength. The first wavelength band.
The first wavelength band may be in a range of about 380 nm to about 570 nm, and the second wavelength band may be in a range of about 600 nm to about 1000 μm.
An amount of light received by the second light sensor may be less than an amount of light received by the first light-sensing element.
A first resolution of a first image acquired by the first light sensor may be higher than a second resolution of a second image acquired by the second light sensor.
The first operation frequency may be in a range of about 1 Hz to about 10 Hz, and the second operation frequency may be in a range of about 30 Hz to about 500 Hz.
According to an embodiment, a display device includes a plurality of pixels; a first light sensor at a first position of a display area; and a second light sensor at a second position of the display area, wherein the first light sensor is configured to be driven based on one or more first operating parameters and the second light sensor is configured to be driven based on one or more second operating parameters different from the one or more first operating parameters.
The first frequency may correspond to a still image, and the second frequency may correspond to a moving image. The first light sensor may capture images at the first frequency, and the second light sensor may capture images at the second frequency which is greater than the first frequency.
The one or more first operating parameters includes a first frequency, and the one or more second operating parameters includes a second frequency different from the first frequency. The one or more first operating parameters include a first resolution, and the one or more second operating parameters include a second resolution different from the first resolution. The first light sensor is disposed to receive less light than the second light sensor. The first light sensor is to detect biometric information, and the second light sensor is to detect medical information of a user. The biometric information includes a fingerprint, and the medical information includes blood-based information.
As used herein, when a component (or a region, a layer, a portion, and the like) is referred to as being “on”, “connected to”, or “coupled to” another component, it means that the component may be directly disposed/connected/coupled on another component or a third component may be disposed between the component and another component.
Like reference numerals refer to like components. In addition, in the drawings, thicknesses, ratios, and dimensions of components are exaggerated for effective description of technical content. “and/or” includes all of one or more combinations that the associated components may define.
Terms such as first, second, and the like may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. The above terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, a first component may be named as a second component, and similarly, the second component may also be named as the first component. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
In addition, terms such as “beneath”, “below”, “on”, “above” are used to describe the relationship of the components illustrated in the drawings. The above terms are relative concepts, and are described with reference to directions indicated in the drawings.
It should be understood that terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to specify that a feature, a number, a step, an operation, a component, a part, or a combination thereof described in the specification is present, and do not preclude a possibility of addition or existence of one or more other features or numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms including technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to drawings.
1 FIG. is a perspective view of a display device DD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The display device DD may be activated based on an electrical signal to display images. For example, the display device DD may be included in large-sized devices (such as televisions and billboards), as well as small and medium-sized devices such as monitors, mobile phones, tablet computers, navigation devices, and game consoles. The above examples of the display device DD are merely examples. The present disclosure is not limited thereto as long as any example of the display device does not deviate from the concept of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, an example is discussed herein the display device DD is embodied in a mobile phone.
1 FIG. 1 2 1 Referring to, the display device DD may have a predetermined shape, e.g., a rectangular shape having long sides extending in a first direction DRand short sides extending in a second direction DRintersecting the first direction DRin a plan view. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the display device DD may have various shapes such as a circle, a polygon, or another shape in a plan view.
In one embodiment, the display device DD may be flexible. The term “flexible” may include, for example, a property that allows at least a portion of the device to be bent. The flexible device may include any structure, e.g., from a structure in which the device is entirely foldable to a structure in which the device is bendable by a slight amount, e.g., several nanometers. In one embodiment, the flexible display device DD may include a curved display device or a foldable display device. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the display device DD may be a rigid device in other embodiments.
1 2 3 1 2 The display device DD may display an image IM through a display area ED-AA. The display area ED-AA of the display device DD may be parallel to a plane extending in the first direction DRand the second direction DR. The display area ED-AA may display the image IM in a third direction DRsubstantially perpendicular to the plane extending in the first direction DRand the second direction DR. In one example, the display area ED-AA is shown to be flat as an example. However, in an embodiment, the display area ED-AA may have a curved shape bent from at least one side of a flat face in another embodiment.
3 3 3 In one example, a front face (or a top face) and a rear face (or a bottom face) of each of the members constituting the display device DD may be opposed to each other in the third direction DR. A normal direction to each of the front face and the rear face may be substantially extend in the third direction DR. A spacing between the front face and the rear face as defined along the third direction DRmay correspond to a thickness of each member (or each unit).
3 1 2 1 3 3 As used herein, “a plan view” may include a view in the third direction DR. As used herein, “a cross-sectional view” may be include a view in the first direction DRor the second direction DR. In one example, a direction indicated by each of the first to third directions DR, DR, and DRmay be a relative concept and thus may be expressed as other directions.
1 FIG. The images IM displayed by the display device DD may include still images and moving images. In, a watch window with accompanying icons are shown as examples of one type of image IM that may be displayed. A face on which images IM are displayed may correspond to a front face of the display device DD and may correspond to a front face of a window WM.
The display device DD according to an embodiment may detect an external input. The external input may include various types of inputs provided. For example, the external input may include an applied force, an applied pressure, a temperature, light, etc. For example, the external input may include, for example, not only a contact input of an object (e.g., the user's hand or a pen) with the display device DD, but also an input (e.g., non-contact hovering) which is applied in close proximity to the display device DD or in an adjacent manner to the display device DD at a predefined spacing.
The display device DD of an embodiment may detect a user's input on the front face of the display area ED-AA and may respond to the detected input signal. However, an area of the display device DD that detects the external input is not limited to the front face of the display device DD. In one embodiment, the user's input applied to a side face or rear face of the display device DD may be detected, for example, according to the design of the display device DD. Thus, the present disclosure is not limited to one embodiment.
The display device DD of an embodiment may detect biometric information (e.g., a user's fingerprint FG) that is externally applied. A fingerprint recognition area may be disposed in the active area ED-AA of the display device DD. The fingerprint recognition area may be disposed in an entirety of the active area ED-AA or in a portion of the active area ED-AA.
2 FIG. is an exploded perspective view of the display device DD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
2 FIG. Referring to, the display device DD may include the window WM, a display module DM, and a housing HAU. A combination of the window WM and the housing HAU may determine an exterior appearance of the display device DD and may provide an inner space that may accommodate therein the components of the display device DD.
The window WM may be disposed on the display module DM. The window WM may have a shape corresponding to that of the display module DM. The window WM may cover an entirety of an outer face of the display module DM, and may protect the display module DM from external shocks, scratches, and debris.
The window WM may include an optically clear insulating material. For example, the window WM may include a glass substrate or a polymeric substrate. In an embodiment, the window WM may include a tempered glass substrate. The window WM may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure. The window WM may further include functional layers such as an anti-fingerprint layer, a phase control layer, and/or a hard coating layer disposed on the optically clear substrate.
The front face of the window WM may correspond to a display face of the display device DD. The front face of the window WM may include a transmission area TA and a bezel area BZA. The transmission area TA of the window WM may be an optically clear area. The window WM may transmit images IM provided from the display module DM through the transmission area TA, to thereby allow a user to view the images IM. The transmission area TA of the window WM may correspond to the display area ED-AA of the display device DD.
The bezel area BZA of the window WM may be provided as an area in which a material including a predefined color is printed. The bezel area BZA of the window WM may prevent a component of the display module DM overlapping the bezel area BZA from being visually recognized from an external perspective.
The bezel area BZA may be adjacent to the transmission area TA. A shape of the transmission area TA may be substantially determined by the bezel area BZA. For example, the bezel area BZA may be disposed outside the transmission area TA so as to partially or entirely surround the transmission area TA. For example, in one embodiment the bezel area BZA may be adjacent to only one side of the transmission area TA or may be omitted altogether. Further, the bezel area BZA may be disposed in a side face rather than the front face of the display device DD. The display module DM may be disposed between the window WM and the housing HAU. The display module DM may display images according to an electrical signal and may transmit and receive information based on external inputs.
The display module DM may be divided into an active area AA and a peripheral area NAA. The active area AA may be activated according to an electrical signal. The active area AA may be a portion that displays an image or detects an external input. According to an embodiment, the active area AA of the display module DM may correspond to the above-described transmission area TA. As used herein, the concept of “A area/portion and B area/portion correspond to each other” may include the case where “A area/portion and B area/portion overlap each other,” but is not limited to a configuration that A area/portion and B area/portion have the same area size and/or the same shape.
The peripheral area NAA may be adjacent to the active area AA. For example, the peripheral area NAA may partially or completely surround the active area AA. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the peripheral area NAA may have various other shapes. The peripheral area NAA may be an area which includes a drive circuit or drive wiring for driving the active area AA, various signal lines providing electrical signals, and/or pads. The peripheral area NAA of the display module DM may correspond to the above-mentioned bezel area BZA. The bezel area BZA may prevent the components of the display module DM disposed in the peripheral area NAA from being externally recognized from an outside point of view.
The housing HAU may be disposed under the display module DM and may accommodate the display module DM therein. The housing HAU may absorb external impact and may prevent foreign debris and materials/moisture from penetrating into the display module DM, thereby protecting the display module DM. In an embodiment, the housing HAU may have a structure that includes a plurality of connected accommodating members.
In one example, the display device DD may further include an electronic module including various functional modules for operating the display module DM, a power supply module that supplies power for the display device DD, and a bracket that is coupled to the display module DM and/or housing HAU to divide an inner space of the display device DD into various sub-spaces.
1 2 1 2 1 2 The display module DM may include a first area ARand a second area AR. The display module DM may include a plurality of pixels PX disposed in the active area AA, and a plurality of sensors FXand FXand a reference sensor RFX disposed in the active area AA. Each of the plurality of sensors FXand FXmay include, for example, a fingerprint sensor, a PPG (photoplethysmography) sensor, a blood pressure sensor, a luminance sensor, or a proximity sensor.
1 2 1 2 1 1 2 2 The plurality of sensors FXand FXmay include a first sensor FXand a second sensor FX. The first sensor FXmay be disposed in the first area AR, and the second sensor FXmay be disposed in the second area AR. The reference sensor RFX may be disposed in an area where a bio-signal is not sensed.
1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 1 2 1 2 2 1 2 Each of the plurality of sensors FXand FXmay be disposed between two adjacent pixels PX. In one embodiment, the plurality of pixels PX and the plurality of sensors FXand FXmay be alternately arranged in each of the first and second directions DRand DR. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, two or more pixels PX may be disposed between two sensors FXand FXadjacent to each other in the first direction DRamong the plurality of sensors FXand FX, or two or more pixels PX may be disposed between two sensors FXand FXadjacent to each other in the second direction DRamong the plurality of sensors FXand FX.
3 FIG. is a cross-sectional view of the display device DD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
3 FIG. Referring to, the display module DM may include a display panel DP, an input sensing layer ISL, and an optical layer RCL. The display panel DP may include a base layer BL, a circuit element layer DP-CL, a display element layer DP-ED, and an encapsulation layer TFE.
The display panel DP may substantially generate images. For example, the display panel DP may be a light-emitting type display panel. However, the present disclosure is not particularly limited thereto. In one or more embodiments, the display panel DP may be an organic light-emitting display panel, an inorganic light-emitting display panel, or a quantum dot light-emitting display panel. A light-emitting layer of the organic light-emitting display panel may include an organic light-emitting material. A light-emitting layer of the inorganic light-emitting display panel may include an inorganic light-emitting material. A light-emitting layer of the quantum dot light-emitting display panel may include quantum dots, quantum rods, or etc. Hereinafter, an example in which the display panel DP is embodied as the organic light-emitting display panel is described.
1 2 The display panel DP may include the base layer BL, the circuit element layer DP-CL, the display element layer DP-ED, and the encapsulation layer TFE. The display panel DP according to the present disclosure may be a flexible display panel. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the display panel DP may be a foldable display panel that is foldable around one or more folding axes, or may be a rigid display panel. The base layer BL may provide a base face on which the circuit element layer DP-CL is disposed. The base layer BL may include, for example, a glass substrate, a metal substrate, a polymer substrate or an organic/inorganic composite substrate. The base layer BL may include the first area ARand the second area ARpreviously mentioned.
The circuit element layer DP-CL may be disposed on the base layer BL. The circuit element layer DP-CL may include at least one insulating layer, a circuit element, signal lines, and/or signal pads. The circuit element layer DP-CL may include a pixel drive circuit included in each of the plurality of pixels for displaying an image, a sensor drive circuit included in each of the plurality of sensors for recognizing external information, etc. The external information may be biometric information. In one example of the present disclosure, the sensor may be a fingerprint recognition sensor, a proximity sensor, an iris recognition sensor, or the like. Further, the sensor may be an optical sensor that recognizes biometric information in an optical scheme. The circuit element layer DP-CL may further include signal lines connected to the pixel drive circuit and/or the sensor drive circuit.
1 2 1 2 4 6 FIGS.and 2 FIG. The display element layer DP-ED may be disposed on the circuit element layer DP-CL. The display element layer DP-ED may include a plurality of light-emitting elements (e.g., light emitters) EDand ED(e.g., refer to) overlapping the active area AA. The light-emitting elements EDand EDof the display element layer DP-ED may be respectively connected to the circuit elements of the circuit element layer DP-CL to constitute the pixels PX (e.g., refer to). Each of the pixels PX may output light through the active area AA in response to the drive signal.
1 2 1 2 4 6 FIGS.and The display element layer DP-ED may include a plurality of light-sensing elements (e.g., light sensors) OPDand OPD(e.g., refer to) disposed to overlap with the active area AA. Each of the light-sensing elements OPDand OPDmay be a light sensor that senses light incident toward the light-sensing element and converts a light signal into an electrical signal. For example, the light-sensing element may be a photodiode. An example configuration of the display element layer DP-ED will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings.
The encapsulation layer TFE may be disposed on the display element layer DP-ED to seal the display element layer DP-ED. The encapsulation layer TFE may include at least one organic film and at least one inorganic film. The inorganic film may include an inorganic material to protect the display element layer DP-ED from moisture/oxygen. The inorganic film may include a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxy nitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, or an aluminum oxide layer. However, the present disclosure is not particularly limited thereto. The organic layer may include an organic material to protect the display element layer DP-ED from foreign materials such as dust particles. For example, one or more thin-films of the encapsulation layer TFE may be disposed to improve optical efficiency of elements of the display element layer DP-ED or to protect the elements thereof.
The input sensing layer ISL may be disposed on the display panel DP. The input sensing layer ISL may be directly disposed on the encapsulation layer TFE. (As used herein, A and B being formed via a consecutive process without a separate adhesive layer or adhesive member may be expressed as “A being directly disposed on B”. For example, the expression “the input sensing layer ISL is directly disposed on the display panel DP” means that the display panel DP is formed, and then, the input sensing layer ISL is formed on a base face of the display panel DP via a consecutive process without a separate adhesive layer.)
In one example, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The input sensing layer ISL may be coupled to the display panel DP via an adhesive layer. The input sensing layer ISL may be manufactured via a process separate from a manufacturing process of the display panel DP, and then may be fixed to a top face of the display panel DP by an adhesive layer.
The input sensing layer ISL may sense an external input and acquire coordinate information of the external input. The input sensing layer ISL may operate in various schemes such as a capacitance-based scheme, a resistance-film-based scheme, an infrared-based scheme, an acoustic-wave-based scheme, or a pressure-based scheme. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the input sensing layer ISL may operate in the capacitance-based scheme and may include a plurality of sensing electrodes for sensing the external input. The input sensing layer ISL may provide an input signal corresponding to the external input to the display panel DP, and the display panel DP may generate an image corresponding to the input signal.
The optical layer RCL may be disposed on the input sensing layer ISL. The optical layer RCL may be disposed directly or indirectly on the input sensing layer ISL. For example, the optical layer RCL may be formed by coating (or printing) a composition of the optical layer RCL directly on a base face of the input sensing layer ISL.
4 FIG. 4 FIG. 6 FIG. 3 FIG. 1 2 The optical layer RCL may reduce reflectance of external light incident from outside of the display device DD. The optical layer RCL may include a light-blocking layer BM (e.g., refer to) and one or more color filters CFand CF(e.g., seeand). A detailed description of a configuration of an example of the optical layer RCL will be described later. The display device DD may further include an adhesive layer AL (e.g., see) disposed between the display module DM and the window WM. The display module DM and the window WM may be coupled to each other via the adhesive layer AL, interposed therebetween. The adhesive layer AL may include a transparent adhesive such as an optically clear adhesive film (an OCA film), an optically clear adhesive resin (OCR), or a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) film. However, the type of the adhesive included in the adhesive layer AL is not limited thereto.
4 FIG. 2 FIG. 4 FIG. 4 FIG. 2 3 FIGS.and 1 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the display device DD taken along section line I-I′ of.shows a state in which the first sensor FXrecognizes a fingerprint as one example of the biometric information input from the user's hand. In describing, the description will be made with reference to, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.
2 4 FIGS.to 6 FIG. 6 FIG. 4 FIG. 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 1 2 Referring to, the display panel DP may include a plurality of light-emitting areas LA, a plurality of sensing areas SAand SA(e.g., refer to), and a peripheral area NA. The peripheral area NA may partially or completely surround the plurality of light-emitting areas LA and the plurality of sensing areas SAand SA. The light-emitting elements EDand ED(e.g., refer to) may be respectively disposed in the light-emitting areas LA.shows the first light-emitting element EDamong the plurality of light-emitting elements EDand EDby way of example.
1 1 1 1 The display element layer DP-ED may include the first light-sensing element OPDof the first sensor FX, the first light-emitting element EDof the first pixel PX, a pixel defining film PDL, and a capping layer CPL.
1 1 1 1 1 The first pixel PXmay include the first light-emitting element EDand a first pixel driver PDP. The first light-emitting element EDmay be embodied as an organic light-emitting element or a quantum dot light-emitting element. However, an embodiment is not limited thereto, e.g., the first light-emitting element EDmay be another type of light-emitting element in another embodiment that can generate light or can control emission of an amount of light, according to an electrical signal.
1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 6 FIG. The first sensor FXmay include the first light-sensing element OPDand a first sensor driver SDP. The first light-sensing element OPDmay be disposed in the first sensing area SAamong the plurality of sensing areas SAand SA(e.g., refer to). The first light-sensing element OPDmay operate at a predetermined (first) operation frequency.
1 1 1 The first light-sensing element OPDmay be a light sensor that recognizes light in a visible light region as reflected by the external object, e.g., the finger of a user. In an embodiment, the first light-sensing element OPDmay be a biometric sensor that recognizes light reflected from a fingerprint of the user and converts a corresponding light signal into an electrical signal. For example, the first light-sensing element OPDmay be configured to sense fingerprint information.
1 1 1 1 Light OT-L emitted from the first light-emitting element EDmay be reflected from an external object FG (e.g., a fingerprint) and may be incident, as reflected light IP-L, on the first light-sensing element OPD. The reflected light IP-L incident on the first light-sensing element OPDmay be light in the visible light region. For example, the reflected light IP-L may be a predetermined color of light, e.g., green or another color of light. The first light-sensing element OPDmay receive the reflected light IP-L and convert the same into an electrical signal and then may recognize the external input based on the electrical signal. An operation state of the display device DD may be changed based on the recognizing result.
1 1 1 1 2 FIG. In one embodiment, the first light-sensing element OPDmay include an anode AE, a hole control layer HCL, a first photoelectric conversion layer OPL, an electron control layer ECL, and a cathode CE. The first light-sensing element OPDmay be disposed in the first area AR(e.g., refer to).
1 The anode AE may be disposed on the circuit element layer DP-CL. The anode AE may be exposed through a first pixel defining film opening OPin the pixel defining film PDL. The anode AE may be made of a metal material, a metal alloy, or a conductive compound. However, the material and characteristics of the anode AE are not limited thereto. For example, the anode AE may operate as a pixel electrode or a sensing electrode. The anode AE may be embodied as a transmissive electrode, a transflective electrode, or a reflective electrode. When the anode AE is embodied as the transmissive electrode, the anode may be made of a transparent metal oxide, e.g., ITO (indium tin oxide), IZO (indium zinc oxide), ZnO (zinc oxide), or ITZO (indium tin zinc oxide). When the anode AE is embodied as a transflective electrode or a reflective electrode, the anode may be made of Ag, Mg, Cu, Al, Pt, Pd, Au, Ni, Nd, Ir, Cr, Li, Ca, LiF/Ca, LiF/Al, Mo, Ti, W or a compound or a mixture thereof (e.g., a mixture of Ag and Mg). The hole control layer HCL may be disposed on the anode AE and the pixel defining film PDL. The hole control layer HCL may include a single layer made of a single material, a single layer made of a plurality of different materials, or a multi-layer structure in which a plurality of layers respectively made of a plurality of different materials are stacked. For example, the hole control layer HCL may have a single layer structure of a hole injection layer or a hole transport layer, or may have a single layer structure composed of a hole injection material and a hole transport material. In an embodiment, the hole control layer HCL may include a hole transport layer and may further include a hole injection layer.
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 The first photoelectric conversion layer OPLmay be disposed on the hole control layer HCL. The first photoelectric conversion layer OPLmay include a light-receiving material that converts light into an electrical signal. In an embodiment, the first photoelectric conversion layer OPLmay include an organic light-receiving material. However, the material constituting the first photoelectric conversion layer OPLmay be different in another embodiment. For example, the first photoelectric conversion layer OPLmay include an organic polymer material as a light-receiving material. In one embodiment, the first photoelectric conversion layer OPLmay include a conjugated polymer. In one embodiment, the first photoelectric conversion layer OPLmay include a thiophene-based conjugated polymer, a benzodithiophene-based conjugated polymer, a TPD (thieno[3,4-c]pyrrole-4,6-dione)-based conjugated polymer, a DPP (diketo-pyrrole-pyrrole)-based conjugated polymer, a BT (benzothiadiazole)-based conjugated polymer, or another material.
1 1 The electron control layer ECL may be disposed on the first photoelectric conversion layer OPL, a first light-emitting layer EML, and the hole control layer HCL. For example, the electron control layer ECL may be integrally formed therewith. The electron control layer ECL may include a single layer made of a single material, a single layer made of a plurality of different materials, or a multi-layer structure having a stack of a plurality of layers respectively made of a plurality of different materials. For example, the electron control layer ECL may have a single layer structure of an electron injection layer or an electron transport layer, or may have a single layer structure composed of an electron injection material and an electron transport material. Further, the electron control layer ECL may have a structure of a single layer made of a plurality of different materials, or may include a stack structure of a plurality of layers that are sequentially stacked on the light-emitting layer. In an embodiment, the electron control layer ECL may include an electron transport layer and may further include an electron injection layer.
The cathode CE may be disposed on the electron control layer ECL. The cathode CE and the electron control layer ECL may be formed simultaneously through the same process. For example, the cathode CE may be integrally formed therewith. The cathode CE may operate as a common electrode. However, the cathode CE is not limited thereto. For example, the cathode CE may be embodied as a transmissive electrode, a transflective electrode or a reflective electrode. When the cathode CE is embodied as the transmissive electrode, the cathode may include a transparent metal oxide, e.g., ITO (indium tin oxide), IZO (indium zinc oxide), ZnO (zinc oxide), or ITZO (indium tin zinc oxide). When the cathode CE is embodied as the transflective electrode or the reflective electrode, the cathode may made of Ag, Mg, Cu, Al, Pt, Pd, Au, Ni, Nd, Ir, Cr, Li, Ca, LiF/Ca, LiF/Al, Mo, Ti, W or a compound or mixture thereof (e.g., a mixture of Ag and Mg).
1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 2 6 FIG. The first sensor driver SDPmay be disposed on the circuit element layer DP-CL. The first sensor driver SDPmay include a sensor drive circuit electrically connected to the first light-sensing element OPDto drive the first light-sensing element OPD. Each first sensor driver SDPmay be connected, in a one-to-one manner, to respective ones of the plurality of light-sensing elements OPDand OPD(e.g., refer to). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and one first sensor driver SDPmay be connected to at least two light-sensing elements OPDand OPDin another embodiment.
1 1 1 The first light-emitting element EDmay include an anode AE, a hole control layer HCL, a first light-emitting layer EML, an electron control layer ECL, and a cathode CE. The anode AE, hole control layer HCL, electron control layer ECL, and cathode CE may be identical, in structure and/or materials, to the anode AE, the hole control layer HCL, the electron control layer ECL, and the cathode CE of the first light-sensing element OPD.
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 6 FIG. The first light-emitting layer EMLmay be disposed on the hole control layer HCL. The first light-emitting layer EMLmay be a light-emitting layer of a predetermined color, e.g., green or another color. However, the present disclosure is not particularly limited thereto. The first light-emitting layer EMLmay include an organic material and/or an inorganic material. The first light-emitting layer EMLmay generate colored light. The first light-emitting layer EMLmay include an organic light-emitting material or a quantum dot material. The first pixel driver PDPmay be disposed on the circuit element layer DP-CL. The first pixel driver PDPmay include a pixel drive circuit electrically connected to the first light-emitting element EDto drive the first light-emitting element ED. The first pixel driver PDPmay be connected, in a one-to-one manner, to respective ones of the plurality of light-emitting elements EDand ED(e.g., refer to).
1 1 1 1 1 1 The pixel defining film PDL may be disposed on the circuit element layer DP-CL. The first pixel defining film opening OPand a first light-emitting opening OP_EDmay be in the pixel defining film PDL. The first photoelectric conversion layer OPLmay be disposed in the first pixel defining film opening OP, and the first light-emitting layer EMLmay be disposed in the first light-emitting opening OP_ED.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the pixel defining film PDL may further include a black material. For example, the pixel defining film PDL may further include black organic dyes/pigments such as carbon black or aniline black. The pixel defining film PDL may be formed, for example, by mixing a blue organic material and a black organic material with each other. The pixel defining film PDL may further contain a liquid-repellent organic material.
The capping layer CPL may be disposed on the cathode CE and may cover the cathode CE.
1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 6 FIG. 6 FIG. 4 FIG. The optical layer RCL may include the light-blocking layer BM and a plurality of color filters CFand CF(e.g., refer to). The plurality of color filters CFand CFmay include the first color filter CFand the second color filter CF(e.g., refer to). The plurality of color filters CFand CFmay include, for example, a red color filter, a green color filter, and a blue color filter. The first color filter CFis shown in. The first color filter CFmay overlap with the first light-sensing element OPD. For example, the first color filter CFmay overlap with the first area ARin a plan view. The first color filter CFmay transmit light in a first wavelength band therethrough. The first wavelength band may be in a predetermined range, a non-limiting example of which is about 380 nm to about 570 nm. The first wavelength band may corresponding to a different range of wavelengths in another embodiment.
1 The light-blocking layer BM may be disposed on the display element layer DP-ED. The first color filter CFmay be disposed on the light-blocking layer BM and the input sensing layer ISL, and may cover the light-blocking layer BM. The light-blocking layer BM prevents light leakage and may act as a boundary between adjacent color filters of different colors.
In one embodiment, the light-blocking layer BM may include a black matrix. For example, the light-blocking layer BM may include an organic pigment or dye. The light-blocking layer BM may include an organic light-blocking material or an inorganic light-blocking material containing a black pigment or a black dye. The light-blocking layer BM may be made of a light-blocking composition including, for example, propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, 3-methoxybutyl acetate, and/or organic black pigment. Further, the light-blocking layer BM may overlap with the pixel defining film PDL.
1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 6 FIG. 6 FIG. In the light-blocking layer BM, a plurality of openings BM-OP, BM-OP, and BM-OP(e.g., refer to) may be included. The plurality of openings BM-OP, BM-OP, and BM-OPmay respectively overlap at least some of the plurality of light-emitting areas LA and the plurality of sensing areas SAand SA(e.g., refer to). In one embodiment, the plurality of openings BM-OP, BM-OP, and BM-OPmay include a plurality of upper openings BM-OP, the first opening BM-OP, and the second opening BM-OP.
4 FIG. 2 FIG. 1 1 1 1 1 shows a cross section of a portion of the first area AR(e.g., refer to), the upper opening BM-OP and the first opening BM-OPby way of example. The upper opening BM-OP may be provided to overlap with the first light-emitting element ED, and the first opening BM-OPmay be provided to overlap with the first light-sensing element OPD.
5 FIG. 4 FIG. 1 1 1 2 1 shows photographs illustrating a plurality of first images IM-and IM-acquired by the first light-sensing element OPD(e.g., refer to) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
4 5 FIGS.and 1 1 1 2 1 1 Referring to, the plurality of first images IM-and IM-may be acquired by the first light-sensing element OPD. The first light-sensing element OPDmay operate at the first operation frequency. The first operation frequency may be in a predetermined range, e.g., 1 Hz to 10 Hz.
1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 2 For example, when the first operation frequency is 1 Hz, one image may be acquired for 1 second. For example, a time interval Tbetween a time at which the first-first image IM-is acquired and a time at which the first-second image IM-is acquired may be 1 second. Further, when the first operation frequency is 10 Hz, 10 images may be acquired for 1 second. For example, the time interval Tbetween a time at which the first-first image IM-is acquired and a time at which the first-second image IM-is acquired may be 0.1 second. The first operation frequency may be in a different range in another embodiment.
6 FIG. 2 FIG. 6 FIG. 6 FIG. 2 4 FIGS.and 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the display device DD taken along section line II-II′ of.shows a state in which the second sensor FXmeasures the PPG as one type of biometric information. In describing, the description will be made with reference to, and descriptions about the components having the same reference numerals are omitted.
4 6 FIGS.and 2 2 2 2 Referring to, the display element layer DP-ED may include the second light-sensing element OPDof the second sensor FX, the second light-emitting element EDof the second pixel PX, the pixel defining film PDL, and the capping layer CPL.
2 2 2 2 2 1 1 The second pixel PXmay include the second light-emitting element EDand a second pixel driver PDP. The second light-emitting element EDand the second pixel driver PDPmay be substantially the same as the first light-emitting element EDand the first pixel driver PDP.
2 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 The second sensor FXmay include the second light-sensing element OPDand a second sensor driver SDP. The second light-sensing element OPDmay be disposed in the second sensing area SA, among the plurality of sensing areas SAand SA. The second light-sensing element OPDmay operate at a second operation frequency. In one embodiment, the second operation frequency may be higher than the first operation frequency.
2 2 2 2 1 The second light-sensing element OPDmay be a light sensor that recognizes light in a predetermined wavelength range, e.g., visible light or infrared light, reflected from a bio-signal. The amount of light as absorbed may vary based on the amount of blood flowing through a blood vessel BV in the user's finger. Accordingly, the second light-sensing element OPDmay be a biometric sensor that detects a change in blood volume based on a measuring result of the light amount as absorbed. For example, the second light-sensing element OPDmay be configured to sense pulse information. The second sensor driver SDPmay operation in substantially the same manner as the first sensor driver SDP.
2 2 2 2 Light OT-La emitted from the second light-emitting element EDmay be reflected from the blood vessel BV and then may be incident, as reflected light IP-La, on the second light-sensing element OPD. The reflected light IP-La incident on the second light-sensing element OPDmay be light in the predetermined range previously indicated, e.g., in the visible light region or infrared light region. For example, when the reflected light IP-La is light in the visible light region, the reflected light IP-La may be red light. The second light-sensing element OPDmay receive the incident reflected light IP-La and may convert the same into an electrical signal and may receive biometric information based on the electrical signal.
2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 2 FIG. The second light-sensing element OPDmay include an anode AE, a hole control layer HCL, a second photoelectric conversion layer OPL, an electron control layer ECL, and a cathode CE. The second light-sensing element OPDmay be disposed in the second area AR(e.g., refer to). The anode AE, the hole control layer HCL, the second photoelectric conversion layer OPL, the electron control layer ECL, and the cathode CE of the second light-sensing element OPDmay substantially the same as the anode AE, the hole control layer HCL, the first photoelectric conversion layer OPL, the electron control layer ECL, and the cathode CE of the first light-sensing element OPDpreviously described.
2 2 2 2 1 1 The second light-emitting element EDmay include an anode AE, a hole control layer HCL, a second light-emitting layer EML, an electron control layer ECL, and a cathode CE. The anode AE, the hole control layer HCL, the second light-emitting layer EML, the electron control layer ECL, and the cathode CE of the second light-emitting element EDmay be substantially the same as the anode AE, the hole control layer HCL, the first light-emitting layer EML, the electron control layer ECL, and the cathode CE of the first light-emitting element EDpreviously described.
2 2 2 2 2 2 The pixel defining film PDL may be disposed on the circuit element layer DP-CL. A second pixel defining film opening OPand a second light-emitting opening OP_EDmay be in the pixel defining film PDL. The second photoelectric conversion layer OPLmay be disposed in the second pixel defining film opening OP, and the second light-emitting layer EMLmay be disposed in the second light-emitting opening OP_ED.
1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 6 FIG. The optical layer RCL may include the light-blocking layer BM and the plurality of color filters, e.g., CFand CF. The plurality of color filters may include a red color filter, a green color filter, and/or a blue color filter.shows the second color filter CFas an example. The second color filter CFmay overlap with the second light-sensing element OPD. For example, the second color filter CFmay overlap with the second area ARin a plan view. The second color filter CFmay transmit light in a second wavelength band therethrough. In one embodiment, wavelengths in the second wavelength band may be shorter than wavelengths in the first wavelength band. For example, the second wavelength band may be in a range of about 600 nm to about 1000 μm, although the second wavelength band may include a different range of frequencies in another embodiment.
1 2 2 2 2 2 2 6 FIG. 2 FIG. The light-blocking layer BM may include a plurality of upper openings BM-OP, the first opening BM-OP, and the second opening BM-OP.shows a cross section of a portion of the second area AR(e.g., refer to) with the upper opening BM-OP and the second opening BM-OPby way of example. The upper opening BM-OP may overlap with the second light-emitting element ED, and the second opening BM-OPmay overlap with the second light-sensing element OPD.
7 FIG. 6 FIG. 2 1 2 2 2 3 2 4 2 5 2 6 2 7 2 8 2 9 2 10 2 shows a plurality of second images IM-, IM-, IM-, IM-, IM-, IM-, IM-, IM-, IM-, and IM-as acquired by the second light-sensing element OPD(e.g., refer to) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
6 7 FIGS.and 2 1 2 2 2 3 2 4 2 5 2 6 2 7 2 8 2 9 2 10 2 2 Referring to, the plurality of second images IM-, IM-, IM-, IM-, IM-, IM-, IM-, IM-, IM-, and IM-may be acquired by the second light-sensing element OPD. The second light-sensing element OPDmay operate at the second operation frequency. The second operation frequency may be higher than the first operation frequency. The second operation frequency may be in a predetermined range, e.g., about 30 Hz to about 500 Hz.
2 2 1 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 3 2 4 2 5 2 6 2 7 2 8 2 9 2 10 7 FIG. For example, when the second operation frequency is 30 Hz, 30 images may be acquired for one second. In this case, a time interval Tbetween a time at which the second-first image IM-is acquired and a time at which the second-second image IM-is acquired may be 1/30 second. Further, when the second operation frequency is 500Hz, 500 images may be acquired for one second. In this case, the time interval Tbetween a time at which the second-first image IM-is acquired and a time at which the second-second image IM-is acquired may be 1/500 second. In, the time interval Tis defined as a time duration between a time at which the second-first image IM-is acquired and a time at which the second-second image IM-is acquired. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the time interval Tmay be defined as a time duration between times corresponding to two consecutive second images, among the plurality of second images IM-, IM-, IM-, IM-, IM-, IM-, IM-, IM-, IM-, and IM-.
8 FIG.A 4 FIG. 8 FIG.B 6 FIG. 1 1 2 2 is a diagram illustrating a first image IMacquired by the first light-sensing element OPD(e.g., refer to) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.is a diagram illustrating a second image IMacquired by the second light-sensing element OPD(e.g., refer to) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
4 6 8 8 FIGS.,,A andB 1 2 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 1 2 1 2 1 Referring to, a first resolution of the first image IMmay be higher than a second resolution of the second image IM. In the first area ARwhere the first light-sensing element OPDis disposed, the first opening BM-OPof the light-blocking layer BM may have a relatively small width. In the second area ARwhere the second light-sensing element OPDis disposed, the width of the second opening BM-OPof the light-blocking layer BM may be larger. Therefore, the second area ARhas a higher transmittance than that of the first area AR. Thus, an amount of light by which the second area ARreceives may be greater than the amount of light which the first area ARreceives. Thus, the second area ARmay have a lower resolution than that of the first area AR.
2 2 2 2 1 1 Because the second light-sensing element OPDmeasures PPG based on a sensing result indicating a change in the amount of absorbed light resulting from a varying blood flow rate, a relatively low resolution image may be captured by the second light-sensing element OPD. However, because the blood flow should be instantaneously sensed by the second light-sensing element OPD, the second light-sensing element OPDmay operate at a higher second operation frequency. Because the first light-sensing element OPDsenses a shape of a fingerprint, a relatively higher resolution image may be captured by the first light-sensing element OPD.
9 FIG. 4 FIG. 10 FIG.A 10 FIG.C 6 FIG. 1 1 2 2 is a diagram showing a portion of the anode AE (e.g., refer to) of the first light-sensing element OPDexposed through the first pixel defining film opening OPaccording to an embodiment.toare views showing portions of the anode AE (e.g., refer to) of the second light-sensing element OPDexposed through the second pixel defining film opening OPaccording to one or more embodiments.
9 FIG. 4 FIG. 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Referring to, a portion of each of the light-blocking layer BM, the first opening BM-OP, and the first pixel defining film opening OPis shown. In the light-blocking layer BM, the first opening BM-OPoverlapping with the first light-sensing element OPD(e.g., refer to) may be provided. The first light-sensing element OPDsenses a fingerprint and thus acquires a high-resolution still image. Thus, resolution may be an important factor in the first light-sensing element OPD. Therefore, a width Dof the first opening BM-OPreceiving light may be relatively smaller.
10 FIG.A 6 FIG. 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 Referring to, a portion of each of the light-blocking layer BM, the second opening BM-OP, and the second pixel defining film opening OPis shown. The second opening BM-OPwhich overlaps with the second light-sensing element OPD(e.g., refer to) may be provided in the light-blocking layer BM. The second light-sensing element OPDsenses the PPG and thus may obtain a moving image. A high transmittance may be provided for the second light-sensing element OPD. Therefore, the width Dof the second opening BM-OPreceiving light may be relatively larger.
4 6 9 10 FIGS.,,, andA 1 1 2 2 2 1 Referring to, the first width Dof the first opening BM-OPmay be less than the second width Dof the second opening BM-OP. Accordingly, the amount of light received by the second light-sensing element OPDmay be greater than the amount of light received by the first light-sensing element OPD.
10 FIG.B 10 FIG.A 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 a, a a a a Referring to, a portion of each of the light-blocking layer BM, a second opening BM-OPand the second pixel defining film opening OPis shown. In an embodiment, the second opening BM-OPmay be formed to be relatively larger than the second pixel defining film opening OP. The width Dof the second opening BM-OPmay be larger than the width Dof the second opening BM-OPin. Because the second opening BM-OPis wider, a larger amount of light may be received therethrough.
6 10 FIGS.andC 10 FIG.B 10 FIG.B 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 a a Referring to, the light-blocking layer BM may not be disposed in an area adjacent to the second pixel defining film opening OP. For example, in an embodiment, the second opening BM-OP(e.g., refer to) is formed to be relatively wider, so that the light-blocking layer BM is not disposed adjacent to the second light-sensing element OPD. In one embodiment, the light-blocking layer BM may not be disposed in the area adjacent to the second pixel defining film opening OP, and the second opening BM-OP(e.g., refer to) overlapping with the second pixel defining film opening OPand arranged by a closed curve may not be provided. In this case, the second pixel defining film opening OPmay receive a relatively larger amount of light.
4 6 9 FIGS.,, and 10 FIG.C 1 2 2 1 2 2 1 1 1 a a toshow the first opening BM-OPand the second openings BM-OPand BM-OPof various sizes. However, the sizes of the first opening BM-OP, and the second openings BM-OPand BM-OPare not limited thereto. For example, the first width Dof the first opening BM-OPmay be larger than the width of the first pixel defining film opening OPin other embodiments.
1 2 1 2 1 1 2 2 According to the present disclosure, the structure of the optical layer RCL (which overlaps with each of the sensors FXand FX) may be adapted based on operations to be performed by the sensors FXand FX. For example, the sensors may include a first sensor FXthat acquires the high resolution image IMat a low frequency (speed) and the second sensor FXthat acquires the low resolution image IMat a higher frequency (speed).
1 1 1 2 2 2 1 2 1 2 Moreover, the width Dof the first opening BM-OPof the optical layer RCL overlapping the first sensor FXmay be different from the width Dof the second opening BM-OPof the optical layer RCL overlapping the second sensor FX. Accordingly, the structure of the optical layer RCL may be adapted to satisfy the requirements of the operation of each of the sensors FXand FX. As a result, sensing efficiency of each of the sensors FXand FXmay be improved.
1 1 2 2 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 2 2 2 11 11 FIGS.A andB 6 FIG. For example, because the width Dof the first opening BM-OPis less than the width Dof the second opening BM-OP, the first sensor FXmay acquire a high-resolution image IM, while the fingerprint sensing accuracy acquired by the first sensor FXmay be improved. Further, as the width Dof the second opening BM-OPis larger than the width Dof the first opening BM-OP, the second sensor FXmay receive a relatively larger amount of light, thereby improving the accuracy of information about the change in the blood flow rate.are views showing examples of a portion of the anode AE (refer to) of the second light-sensing element OPDexposed through the second pixel defining film opening OP.
11 FIG.A 2 2 2 b, b Referring to, a portion of each of the light-blocking layer BM, a second opening BM-OPand the second pixel defining film opening OPis shown. In an embodiment, the second opening BM-OPmay be formed in a circular shape rather than a square shape.
11 FIG.B 2 2 2 c, c Referring to, a portion of each of the light-blocking layer BM, a second opening BM-OPand the second pixel defining film opening OPis shown. In an embodiment, the second opening BM-OPmay be formed in a star shape rather than a square shape.
11 11 FIGS.A andB 6 FIG. 11 11 FIGS.A andB 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 b c b c b c b c In, the circular and star shapes of the second openings BM-OPand BM-OPare shown by way of example. However, the shapes of the second openings BM-OPand BM-OPare not limited thereto. The shapes of the second openings BM-OPand BM-OPmay be modified to have different shapes (than a circle or star) according to the function and a shape of the second sensor FX(e.g., refer to). Further, in, only the various shapes of the second openings BM-OPand BM-OPare illustrated. However, the first opening BM-OPand the upper opening BM-OP may have various different shapes in other embodiments.
12 FIG. 2 FIG. 12 FIG. 4 FIG. illustrates an example of a cross-sectional view of a portion of the display device DD taken along section line III-III′ in. In describing, reference towill be made and redundant descriptions of the components having the same reference numerals are omitted.
4 6 12 FIGS.,, and 12 FIG. 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 a a. a a a Referring to, the reference sensor RFX may include a first light-sensing element OPDand a first sensor driver SDPshows that the reference sensor RFX includes the first light-sensing element OPDby way of example. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the reference sensor RFX may include the second light-sensing element OPD. Each of the first light-sensing element OPDand the first sensor driver SDPof the reference sensor RFX may have substantially the same configuration as the first light-sensing element OPDand the first sensor driver SDPof the first sensor FX.
1 2 1 2 1 2 The reference sensor RFX may have substantially the same configuration as the first sensor FXand the second sensor FX, except for the configuration of the light-blocking layer BM. For example, an opening may not be formed in a portion of the light-blocking layer BM overlapping the reference sensor RFX. For example, the light-blocking layer BM may overlap with at least one of the first light-sensing element OPDor the second light-sensing element OPD. The overlapping first light-sensing element OPDor the overlapping second light-sensing element OPDmay be referred to as the reference sensor RFX.
1 2 The reference sensor RFX may not receive light due to the light-blocking layer BM. Because the reference sensor RFX does not receive light, the same data as acquired in an environment (e.g., such as a dark room) may be acquired by the reference sensor RFX. The data acquired from the reference sensor RFX may be compared with a data value acquired from the first sensor FXor the second sensor FX. The reference sensor RFX may therefore be used to remove the need to perform an experiment in order to obtain a darkroom data value.
According to one or more of the foregoing embodiments, the structure of an optical layer overlapping with sensors located in a display area may be adapted based on the operations to be performed by the sensors. For example, the sensors may include the first sensor that acquires a high resolution image at a low frequency (speed) and the second sensor that acquires a low resolution image at a high frequency (speed). The width of the first opening of the optical layer overlapping the first sensor may be different from a width of the second opening of the optical layer overlapping the second sensor. Accordingly, the structure of the optical layer may be adapted to conditions that are based on the differing operations of the sensors. As a result, sensing efficiency of the sensors may be improved.
While the present disclosure has been described with reference to embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the following claims. The embodiments may be combined to form additional embodiments.
Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.
November 17, 2025
March 12, 2026
Browse 5M+ US patents with plain-English claim translations and AI-generated analysis.